PHOTOS : H. Moser Heritage Perpetual Moon

For a small brand H.Moser et Cie manages to generate an out-sized amount of publicity at times, Their Swiss Alp watch found itself covered heavily beyond traditional watch media and in more recent time, their ‘Make Swiss Made Great Again’ campaign went viral pretty much as soon as it was launched and which also came with a sought-after cap at SIHH 2017, not to mention a Swiss cheese watch.

As a brand with a very modern approach to how it presents itself but with watches that are a mix of classical and utterly of this time, the new Heritage Perpetual Moon marks the introduction of the Heritage Collection to their offerings.

It is worth noting that Moser say that as with all of their new models produced from January 1st, 2017, this watch will not feature ‘Swiss Made’ on the dial despite them more than satisfying the requirement. Again, a note to their campaign.

The case of the new Heritage Perpetual Moon is 18 carat white gold, measuring a comfortable 42mm with a thickness of 12.2mm. What is most notable about the case however, is the engraved blue enamel decorating the case’s flank. This, along with the rounded shape of the case, are a nod to historical pocket watches and features of the Heritage pieces.

Inside (and visible through the open case back) is the manual-wind Calibre HMC 801 which beats at 18,000 VPH and has a power reserve of 7 days. The balance wheel has gold adjusting screws and the escapement wheel and pallet fork are gold.

The white Grand Feu enamel dial has hand-painted Roman numerals, with ‘swallow tail’ hands flame-blued and exquisitely slim. Functionally, as well as the time and small seconds and the large moon phase (large moon phases seem to be a thing this year, and more power to that), but there is an intriguing little feature that you might notice at first glance – an AM/ PM indicator.

In what is reminiscent of their use of a small centre hand in the Perpetual Calendar, a small centre hand acts as an AM/PM indicator, rotating once every 24 hours with the hour indices 12 to 6 o’clock representing AM from midnight to midday and PM presented by 1p.m. to midnight. The moon phase function is adjusted via a push-button on the side of the case.

Coming in a limited edition of thirty pieces, the new Heritage Perpetual Moon comes on a hand-stitched blue alligator leather strap with an 18 carat white gold buckle. All up, a classically gorgeous watch with a very Moser touch.